If Your Child Was Killed by ISIS, Could You Pray For the Murderer?

In recent days, our hearts have been torn and our emotions exhausted as we’ve attempted to process the horrific martyrdom of 21 Christian young men (20 Egyptian and one Ghanian) at the hands of their radical-Islamic captors.

And then, just yesterday, we learned that ISIS had kidnapped dozens of Assyrian Christians, including many women and children, in northeast Syria.

Last week, I shared behind-the-scenes insights from the director of Focus on the Family’s Middle East outreach, Sami Yacoub, that lent meaningful background to the news reports we were hearing.

For the past two days, Sami’s team has been given the privilege of ministering to the families of these murdered men. They’ve counted it a blessing to sit on the dirt floors in these humble households to fellowship, pray, and share the eternal hope we hold in common.

Their reports of what they have seen, heard and experienced are remarkable.

As they looked toward their visits, there was a sense in which the team was unprepared for all that unfolded. They anticipated spending a brief time with each group of loved ones, assuring them of the Lord’s presence and watch care, and praying for their physical needs.

But what they encountered was both unexpected and overwhelming, and it powerfully witnessed to the timeless universality of the Scripture.

In the words of one staff member, “Today we saw a living Bible.”

Repeatedly throughout their time together, Bible lessons and characters from Scripture verses sprang to life. And this from Christians who are 90 percent illiterate, and whose limited knowledge is based on scriptural stories they have heard and committed to memory. I believe what our team encountered was a powerful testimony to the work of the Holy Spirit.

Let me give you just one example.

We remember the story of King David as he struggled with the reality of a gravely ill son (2 Samuel 12). It was a season of grieving and pleading with the Lord, but no divine reply was forthcoming. When his son passed away, contrary to his servants’ expectations, David arose, washed and anointed himself, and worshipped. While King David’s son lived, he fasted and wept, praying the Lord would be gracious. But after his son died, fasting gave way to worship and an acknowledgement of God’s sovereignty.

This is exactly what Sami and his team found unfolding in the lives of the martyrs’ families.

In the first week of January, these family members heard that their sons, husbands, and brothers had been kidnapped in Libya. The following 35 days were characterized by silence, and understandably accompanied by mourning, sleeplessness, and weeping. When they received reports the young men had been gruesomely murdered, at first family members were shocked and broken in spirit. But within hours, Sami reports those emotions gave way to a sense of rejoicing in the eternal reality of the martyrs’ homegoing.

Can you imagine?

In fact, one bereaved father, who didn’t sleep the entire 47 days his son was gone, upon watching the video of the executions slept soundly that night. How does one account for this supernatural response? It can only be explained by turning to the promises made in God’s Word, that “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18).

The heart commitment of these dear believers is not only inspirational, but almost incomprehensible to those of us in the First World.

These individuals live in abject poverty, and the young men they lost represented their hope for future material provision. Yet not one family expressed a need for physical provision. Instead, with smiles on their faces, they conveyed a sense of peace, reliance on, and gratitude to Christ for His sufficiency. Nor was there a word of bitterness directed toward their ISIS tormentors.

Instead, the families of the murdered expressed a desire to provide light to these men whose eyes have been blinded so that they might experience God’s truth and love. There was a realization among these believers that Jesus was all they had, and they were “all in” for Him.

Could you do likewise? Could I?

The apostle Paul’s words to the early church in Philippi have never echoed more clearly: “For me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (1:21).

The photographs featured below provide a small snapshot of the types of people we’re praying for and helping via the ministry of Focus on the Family in Egypt. These pictures were taken at a food and fuel distribution held in Erbil, Iraq, at the end of last year. Some of the men, women and children you see are from displaced families who are fleeing ISIS.

Thank you for your encouraging and empathetic comments and assurances of prayer. We’ve passed hundreds of them along to Sami and his team. They have helped to lift the spirits of those most impacted.

I would invite and encourage you to continue sharing your heart and thoughts in the space below. One of the incredible realities of technology is that it allows us to instantaneously reach all the way across the world. Your words and prayers can serve like a balm on a burn.

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lyndaputz

More than 1 year ago

I am on day 38 of a 40 day fast. My primary focus was to draw closer to the Lord, followed by prayers on behalf of the persecuted church. How my heart has been so grieved for them this past year! I can stop my hunger, discomfort, pain, and the inevitable consequences my body dispenses when it has not had food, but they can't. I pray for their physical, spiritual, and emotional pain, for their imprisonment, their captivity, their loss of home, family, friends. Thank you for putting precious faces to the silhouettes I pray for. May they know that there are thousands of fellow brothers and sisters daily lifting them in prayer - and especially praying He will soon return to take us home with Him.

Shohna Kastler

More than 1 year ago

Thank You God so much for your mercy and that your children are in the Eternal Kingdom reigning with Jesus Christ! I pray for deep rest for the family and friends of the believers. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ against Satan who has been disarmed at the cross of Christ! I rebuke Satan as he works through ISIS in the coming days. I also rebuke how Satan is working through the US government in sinful ways. Thank You Jesus that the victory belongs to the Lord Jesus Christ. Thank you that these believers did not believe the lies of the devil to submit to the devil and deny the One and Only True God! Bless these families in the upcoming months and strengthen their spirits and grow their spirits in love. Grow support too amen. I am sad about the loss, but spurred on in faith and encouraged about the testimony of their faith. Thanks for sharing! <3 We are have been praying for this at our prayer gatherings! <3

Hellen Braga

More than 1 year ago

I am Brazilian and I and my family live in a closed country. And those brothers ans sisters helped me to remember to love our enemies as Jesus touch us. I am proud to have them as my God's Family.

focusoniThemba

More than 1 year ago

our hearts are overwhelmed at the witness of these courageous Christians. Thank you for giving us an insight to that witness, the love and faithfulness of our Father, and sharing the way God is using our special faithful friend Sami and his team. We remain with you in Spirit and are blessed.

Dona Jones

More than 1 year ago

This shows the true heart of christianity which so many misunderstand or hate. It;s all about love and forgiveness and the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ coming into our hearts

Cathy Hilbert Pittinger Kurtz

More than 1 year ago

Praying for you all & keeping you in our hearts as we wait together with you for our glorious Savior to appear with the "sound of the trumpet & the voice of the archangel & we are caught up together with Him in the clouds to meet The Lord in the air & so shall we ever be with The Lord"! And we will all see your sons & rejoice!!! Oh what a day that will be!!!!! As the song says: "When we all see Jesus, we'll sing & shout the victory! Let us then be true & faithful trusting, serving everyday. Just one glimpse of Him in glory will the toils of life repay!" :)

Jay Smaqe

More than 1 year ago

''abide in my Love"... john 15:9 is what Christ said, thats the love Christ want us to live, forgiveness, compassion for others, i pray for Gods peace upon the loss of these families.

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

So encouraging to hear how these families are coping. When I hear stories of this my immediate thought on a human level is wow, how are their families doing? So to hear how they are coping is amazing. I read this earlier today and have been thinking about it ever since. I was just reading in Psalms, chapter 3- confidence in troubled times> it's amazing to see how true and living Gods word is and how certain verses just fall completely in line with where we are on a day to day basis. Vs 3 - "But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, and the One who lifts up my head."... Vs 6-8 "(6)I am not afraid of the thousands of people who have taken their stand against me on every side. (7) Rise up, Lord! Save me, my God! You shall strike all my enemies on the cheek; You break the teeth of the wicked. (8) Salvation belongs to the Lord; may Your blessing be on Your people. Selah. "

-these families complete dependence on the Lord for their strength is amazing! May we all learn this level of dependence on Him and not on the abundance of idols we Americans worship! Thank you for your ministry and bearing witness to His unfailing love!

-Rebekah

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

Meant to include vs 5!! "I lie down and sleep; I wake again because the Lord sustains me." > boy are these families a testament to this verse!

-Rebekah

Mike Sanchez

More than 1 year ago

I feel ashamed and convicted. I have been praying that Gods wrath be upon those that are responsible for these horrific deaths. That they will have sleepless nights. That God would bring justice and revenge. Forgive me Lord. It is very hard for me to pray for these savages. Only you could be responsible for the reaction of these families that have lost there loved ones. Please continue to meet all of their needs. Please give these folks rest and peace that can only come from you. Help them continue growing in their faith. Thank you my brothers and sisters in Egypt for giving me a lesson of faith today. I promise to continue praying for you.

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

I am humbled; undone! The shadow of your pain is bringing healing to those whom your shadow passes over. You can only cast a shadow, however, if the light of Jesus is first shining on you. It obviously is. Thank you!

Rebecca Partain

More than 1 year ago

I am encouraged, inspired and convicted. Praising God for the example these families are to countless numbers who will hear their story. Praising and Praying!

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

I love God so very much! I believe that I would be willing to die for Him. However, can I honestly say that I would rejoice if someone were to kill/torture/murder one of my children/grandchildren? That's a very hard pill to swallow...because they come next in line to my love and devotion. That is something I will ponder from this day forward. I pray for the families who are mourning. I ask God to continue to comfort them. I ask God for provision in their lives due to this ultimate sacrifice of their men. I thank God for the sacrifice and steadfastness of their faith. What an example of standing up for the cause of Christ! May their martyrdom not be in vain, but produce much fruit of salvation to the lost. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

Romans 8:18 "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. Vs31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?"

As Christ's Bride,the church, we mourn with you who mourn and rejoice with those who rejoice. May you have true Shalom from our Groom Christ, knowing that your dear love ones are in His arms.

The 21 is not by chance but that God 3 is completed in his promise 7 to carry His 21 to Himself. 3x7=21

Praying for daily strength Until we meet on that golden shore,

your fellow travelor, Courtney

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

"But now, this is what the Lord says - He who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: ' Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord, your God, the Hold One of Israel, your Savior;..." Isaiah 43:1-3a

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: rejoice!" Philippians 4:4

"...because God has said, 'never will I leave you, never will I forsake you,' so we say with confidence, the Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?" Hebrews 13:5b-6

"Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him and He will do this; He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun. Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret - it leads only to evil. For evil men will be cut off, but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land" Psalm 37:5-9

"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me..." Psalm 23:4a

"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast. To Him be the power forever and ever. Amen" 1 Peter 5:6-11

"God is our refuge and strength, and ever present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging" Psalm 46:1-3

"You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you" Isaiah 26:3

"And again, 'I will put my trust in Him" Hebrews 2:13a

"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God" Hebrews 12:2-3

Keep strong in the Lord. May the grace and peace of God be with you all in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He is victorious, and in Him, you are too! Blessings and love to you all.

Linda Galloway

More than 1 year ago

This is so humbling and awesome! I have so many items at home I could donate to these precious people. They are truly the heroes. I will continue to pray for them and all of you - God bless what you are doing and God bless these precious people.

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

Frannie

I have a reminder in my Bible and every morning during my quiet

time with the Lord I pray that you He will see fit to bring this violence to an end soon. I can't imagine what you are experiencing. but our dear heavenly Father knows all about it and He cares and understands. As He gives you grace I pray that you will be strong in your faith and keep up your courage. I remember you as I lay down to sleep, too.

Cassie Middaugh

More than 1 year ago

Praying for you, dear brothers and sisters in Christ. We are praying for those who persecute the Body of Christ, that their eyes, ears, and hearts would be opened to the truth of God's love, as well as for His peace, comfort, and strength for each of you.

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

Dear Christians in the Middle East,

I will and have been praying for your protection, provision and healing. I am thankful that the people of focus on the FAmily ministry is there to assist. I understand it is dangerous there where there is no freedom. Elohim is in control and we must pray together. We are not in same situation but there are similarities and I understand it is scary.

Freddy Fazbear

More than 1 year ago

We are praying for you to experience the peace that passes understanding that He promises to those that love Him. My heart aches for your earthly loss but I am reminded of 1 Thess 4:13 which tells us to sorrow not as those that have no hope. We have not only hope but assurance that your loved ones are with Jesus and their will be a glorious reunion one day. Please take comfort in what the Bible says about the first martyr, Stephen...“Behold, I see the heavens opened up and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God” (7:56).

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

I pray you strengthened and in continued focus on our Lord and Saviour who is the same yesterday and today as He always will be. He was with your young men in their hours of trial and testing and He carried them through. What an incredible faith-walk legacy they lived for you and for us. Our prayers cover you and carry you across the miles, and I am so very sorry for your loss and for this painful and heartbreaking sacrifice. May God be especially near to each of you.

What an incredible witness for Christ! Truly living in the light of eternity. So many thousands of Christian Brothers and Sisters are praying for you and my prayer is you feel the love from every single one of them including me. You are not alone...

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Daly Focus

Jim Daly is a husband, father and President of Focus on the Family and host of its National Radio Hall of Fame broadcast. His blog, Daly Focus, is full of timely commentary and wisdom designed to help you navigate and understand today’s culture. His latest book is Marriage Done Right.